These questions deal with our ecology and how it affects us on a daily basis. How does a climax community differ from a successional community? Please give an example of each type of community in your response to this question. List three characteristics typical of each of the following biomes: tropical rainforest, desert, tundra, taiga, savanna, grassland, and temperate deciduous forest. In addition, please list some examples of organisms that inhabit each of these types of biomes. How does altitude affect the kind of biome present? List three differences between freshwater and marine ecosystems. What do you think about restoring ecosystems that have been degraded by human activity? Should it be done or not? Why? Who should pay for this reconstruction? We humans seem to deny our place in the "natural world." Do you see human-made changes as part of the natural world? How do you make distinctions between human-made changes and natural changes? What lines do you draw to separate acceptable human changes from unacceptable ones?

1. Why did urban centers develop near waterways? Are they still located near water? If possible, look at a map of the United States and/or the world, and note how many large cities are located near some waterway - an ocean, a lake, or a river!!) 2. Why do some farmers near urban areas sell their land for residential or commercial development? If you were in this position, would you sell? For this question, let's say your ancestors had been in the business for 4 to 5 generations, and currently you own the farm, but are barely making enough money to "break even." What would it take for you to sell the land; would it make a difference if you consider WHO you are selling the land to? Please explain thoroughly!! 3. What land uses are suitable on floodplains? Additionally, what risks are involved with floodplain development? 4. List some conflicts that arise when an area is designated strictly as recreational. Please list about 2 to 3 problems, and state how you feel about these. 5. Consider the outer rim of the city closest to you (or the city within you is currently living). Which, if any, of the problems associated with unplanned growth are associated with your city? What factors make them a problem? What do you think can be done about them?